Gathering and Reading Spaces: The Design of 13 Contemporary Libraries

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Far beyond mere repositories for books, libraries are spaces that, through the preservation of culture and knowledge, transform into places for gathering and exchange. Much like a book, they provide fertile ground for cultivating new ideas. To mark World Book Day, we present a selection of recently built libraries from around the world.

Featuring diverse programs that offer different ways of reimagining this space today, the thirteen selected projects showcase a wide range of solutions and materials. From micro-scale interventions to prominent urban landmarks, discover the full selection below.

Pélissanne Media Library, Park and Public Passage / Dominique Coulon & associés

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Pélissanne Media Library, Park and Public Passage / Dominique Coulon & associés. Photo: © Eugeni Pons
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Floor Plan - Pélissanne Media Library, Park and Public Passage / Dominique Coulon & associés

Pierre Veilletet Library / atelier d'architecture King Kong

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Pierre Veilletet Library / atelier d'architecture King Kong. Photo: © Arthur Péquin
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Floor Plan - Pierre Veilletet Library / atelier d'architecture King Kong

Het Predikheren Municipal Library / Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten + Callebaut Architecten + Bureau Bouwtechniek

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Het Predikheren Municipal Library / Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten + Callebaut Architecten + Bureau Bouwtechniek. Photo: © Luuk Kramer
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Floor Plan - Het Predikheren Municipal Library / Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten + Callebaut Architecten + Bureau Bouwtechniek

Warak Kayu Micro-Library / SHAU Indonesia

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Warak Kayu Microlibrary / SHAU Indonesia. Photo: © KIE
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Section - Warak Kayu Microlibrary / SHAU Indonesia

St. Mary's Calne Library / Woods Bagot

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St. Mary's Calne Library / Woods Bagot. Photo: © Will Pryce
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Diagrams - St. Mary's Calne Library / Woods Bagot

Not Just Library / J.C. Architecture + Motif Planning & Design

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Not Just Library / J.C. Architecture + Motif Planning & Design. Photo: © Kuomin Lee
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Floor Plan - Not Just Library / J.C. Architecture + Motif Planning & Design

Media Library in Colombes / Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés

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Media Library in Colombes / Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés. Photo: © Sergio Grazia
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Section - Media Library in Colombes / Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés

Maya Somaiya Library, Sharda School / Sameep Padora & Associates

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The Maya Somaiya Library, Sharda School / Sameep Padora & Associates. Photo: © Edmund Sumner
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Section - The Maya Somaiya Library, Sharda School / Sameep Padora & Associates

Kirkkonummi Library / JKMM Architects

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Kirkkonummi Library / JKMM Architects. Photo: © Pauliina Salonen
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Floor Plan - Kirkkonummi Library / JKMM Architects

House of Wisdom Library and Cultural Center / Foster + Partners

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House of Wisdom Library and Culture Center / Foster + Partners. Photo: © Chris Goldstraw
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Section - House of Wisdom Library and Culture Center / Foster + Partners

Billie Jean King Main Library / Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

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Billie Jean King Main Library / Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Photo: © Benny Chan
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Diagrams - Billie Jean King Main Library / Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Springvale Community Hub / Lyons

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Springvale Community Hub / Lyons. Photo:
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Axonometric - Springvale Community Hub / Lyons

Colonia Héctor Caballero Library / Proyecto Reacciona A.C

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Colonia Héctor Caballero Library / Proyecto Reacciona A.C. Photo: © Hector Padilla Ferraris
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Floor Plan - Colonia Héctor Caballero Library / Proyecto Reacciona A.C

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Cite: Delaqua, Victor. "Gathering and Reading Spaces: The Design of 13 Contemporary Libraries" [Espaços de encontro e leitura: o projeto de 13 bibliotecas contemporâneas] 11 May 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1128089/gathering-and-reading-spaces-the-design-of-13-contemporary-libraries> ISSN 0719-8884
Warak Kayu Microlibrary / SHAU Indonesia. Photo: © KIE

交流与阅读空间:13座当代图书馆设计

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